The Election Commission of India has rejected a demand to make mandatory filing of affidavits by candidates in Presidential poll disclosing their assets and criminal record, if any. The demand was made by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) which is working for improving governance and strengthening democracy through electoral and political reforms. The Commission said in its reply to ADR's letter to CEC that they cannot ask the candidates contesting the election of the President of India to file the affidavits.

Two former Chief Election Commissioners T S Krishnamurthy and N Gopalaswami had also written to the Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath for making such affidavits mandatory in the coming Presidential elections.

AIR correspondent reports, it is mandatory for all candidates contesting the election to Lok Sabha and state assemblies to file disclosure affidavits carrying details of criminal, financial and educational background of candidates.